ESXi version 5x and 6.0 upgrade to version 7

[BudFin]

I need advise on how to make our ESXi upgraded to version 7 (3 servers).

1. ESXi STD version 5 (Dell ESXi-5.5-1331820-A00, Dell PowerEdge R730xd)
   What will be the process to have it updated to version 7 Std?

2. ESXi Enterprise version 5 (Dell ESXi-5.5U3-3116895-A02, Dell PowerEdge R720)
    What will be the process to have it moved to version 7 Std (not enterprise)?

3. ESXi STD verion 6 (DellEMC-ESXi-6.0U3-6921384, Dell PowerEdge R740)
    What will be the process to have it updated to version 7 Std?

We do not use vCenter. We use VMware vSpherre Client to manage the ESXi Hosts

Thanks, Ernesto 

[scott28tt]

Have you checked that your systems and their IO devices are supported by the newer ESXi versions?

https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php

[Kassadin]

Hello,

You should check the Hw compatibility and upgrade path matrix. Also 3rd parties which connected to hosts such as backup softwares have to support version that you want to upgrade.

[e_espinel]

Hello.
You should verify that your Dell server model is compatible with the version of VMware vSphere you plan to use.

Plan A
A quick and easy way for your case is to go directly to version 6.7 by performing a clean (fresh) installation. For this you must release the ESXi host, sending your VMs to another ESXi Host or to an external Storage. You must use the manufacturer's customizable image.
After verifying that everything is OK on the 1st ESXi Host, you will have to load your VMs and check that they are all OK.
Continue with the next ESXi Host, verify that each customizable ISO image is for the Dell server model (as indicated you have 3 different models).

Plan B
Compatible upgrade path
5.5-> 6.5U3(6.5U2) -> 6.7U3 -> 7.0U2
5.5U3 -> 6.5U3 (6.5U2) -> 6.7U3 -> 7.0U2
6.0U3 ->6.7U3 -> 7.0U2
Use Dell's custom image if upgrading by Boot choose upgrade option and preserve VMFS.
Another option is CLI upgrade (requires zip file).

----------------------------
When performing a new installation you will have 60 days of demo with all the features, you must enter a license before this deadline or after it.
The 6 licenses are only for versions 6.0, 6.5 and 6.7.
The 7 licenses are only good for version 7.0.

If you purchased or plan to purchase new licenses they will be for version 7, but you can downgrade licenses and get 6.0 licenses.

I suggest you stay on version 6.7 for the time being.

Attached is a link that may be useful for you
https://my.vmware.com/

http://partnerweb.vmware.com/comp_guide2/search.php

https://partnerweb.vmware.com/comp_guide2/sim/interop_matrix.php

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/vmware-esxi-6.7.x/esxi_6.7_image_custom_pub/download-the-...